El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 26, 2026
37
Score
Public records show 13 inspections at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant stretching back to 2022. On Jan 26, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around four violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “ceiling not smooth” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant's latest score of 37 falls below the Fort Myers average of 80. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
13
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 26, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical spray bottle stored over clean plates. Operator removed the spray bottle to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler near cook line; raw bacons stored with slice cheese in the same container. See stop sale.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored in same container as ready-to-eat food. In reach in cooler near cook line; raw bacons stored with slice cheese in the same container. See stop sale.
08A-08-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink used to store dirty containers at front counter. Operator removed the containers. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling vent soiled with mold like substance at cook line.
36-34-5
Basic - Dumpster rusted out on bottom with holes.
33-12-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee tools stored with ice scoop above ice machine. Operator removed the scoop for sanitation and stored all employee tools to proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Inside/outside of dumpster not clean.
33-10-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior of the hood soiled with grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Single-service food containers not stored inverted or protected from contamination at dry storage. Operator stored inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry near kitchen exit door.
42-01-4
37
Nov 13, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Sep 11, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach-in cooler at front counter; cooked rice with milk (50F - Cold Holding); ham cheese sandwich (51F - Cold Holding). Per operator all items placed in reach-in cooler for 5 hours. See stop sale. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach-in cooler at front counter; cooked rice with milk (50F - Cold Holding); ham cheese sandwich (51F - Cold Holding). Per operator all items placed in reach-in cooler for 5 hours. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler; raw pork stored over shredded lettuce container. Operator moved raw pork to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical spray bottle improperly stored above clean plates and ice machine. Operator moved the spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee washing wiping clothes at handwashing sink at front counter. Discussed employee about proper usage of handwashing sink. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at front counter and back of the kitchen. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
41
Jun 11, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw ground beef in standup double door reach in cooler in back prep area. Operator moved chicken under ground beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink in back prep room blocked with various items. Operator removed items from sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle with clear liquid on prep table.
41-17-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in back prep area and hand washing sink at front counter by coffee machine.
31B-04-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employe cutting dough in back prep area without a hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee preparing food on cook's line while wearing a gold bracelet.
13-07-4
61
Apr 14, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed walk in cooler has been to the other side of the restaurant. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-14: Operator was confused how to proceed with remodel after last inspection. Operator has pulled all permits from city of Fort Myers and thought he had to complete city inspections before submitting remodel application to Tallahassee. 60 day extension approved per Supervisor Dominick Tartaglione. I have provided remodel information to Operator. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed expanded prep area where ceilings are acoustic tile. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-14: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
86
Nov 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed potatoes in walk in cooler. **Warning**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle with clear liquid on prep table. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
41-17-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed walk in cooler has been to the other side of the restaurant. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed expanded prep area where ceilings are acoustic tile. **Warning**
36-37-5
67
Apr 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Provided operator employee health reporting agreement and operator signed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
90
Apr 2, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
55
Nov 1, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee wearing gloves touch hair then handle clean metal covers to place on food at steam table. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-25-4
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed shell eggs on counter next to flat top. Owner stated eggs were out for half an hour. Permitted me to take internal temp of one egg 73F. Operator moved eggs to reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-03-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided Operator with Clean up Form DBPR HR 5030-104 printed copy. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Provided Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email. Operator completed printed copy during inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand washing sink at end of cook's line. Operator refilled during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken in reach in cooler on cook's line prepared yesterday no date mark.
02C-02-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing food on cook's line. Operator had employee remove watch. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
13-07-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
45
May 5, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Apr 7, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of raid under three compartment sink.
41-05-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided Operator with Clean up Form DBPR HR 5030-104 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Provided Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink by front counter.
31B-04-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing dough in prep area.
13-07-4
61
Nov 28, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 3, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in walk-in cooler. Operator moved chicken to bottom shelf under beef **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch face while wearing gloves then not change gloves before handling clean spatula.
12A-25-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink in kitchen.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with clear liquid on shelf across from three compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk container of sugar unlabeled in prep kitchen.
02D-01-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on wire rack at waist level below Sandwich press.
10-20-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant on file is from Jan 26, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “ceiling not smooth” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant.
How does El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Fort Myers?
El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant most recently scored 37 out of 100, which is lower than the Fort Myers average of 80.
Has El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, El Caribe Latin Flavor Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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